Cholangiocarcinoma

Cholangiocarcinoma presents a challenge for cancer specialists all over the world. Neoplasia of the biliary tract are rare, accounting for approximately 3% of all gastrointestinal tumours with an incidence of about three per 100,000; but rates have been rising rapidly in recent years. This cancer is one of the major killers: at the time of diagnosis, less than 30% of patients are candidates for complete resection. For unresectable cholangiocarcinomas, median survival is less than one year. Given the rarity of the disease, the literature on cholangiocarcinomas is scant. However, the increasing incidence of this highly lethal malignancy should capture the attention of physicians and stimulate further research. Designed for specialists, this book highlights the main clinicopathologic features of cholangiocarcinoma and is an essential clinical guide for oncologists, surgeons, radiotherapists, radiologists, gastroenterologists and all physicians taking care of patients with biliary tract cancers. The book offers an expert overview of the disease starting from the embryology and anatomy of the biliary tree. Each chapter provides a detailed up-to-date description of etiopathogenetic factors, epidemiology, histopathology, molecular biology and staging, emphasising clinical features and standard approaches to biliary tract cancer, with a summary of recent literature evidence. The book also covers the diagnostic work-up and outlines the current status of imaging techniques with an overview of recent advances in surgery and locoregional and systemic therapy, in addition to the follow-up and palliative care of cholangiocarcinoma patients.